Big-budget Channel Seven reality show Million Dollar Island is ‘delayed for THREE MONTHS’ after deadly asbestos discovery on location
Channel Seven has reportedly postponed filming of its new reality series Million Dollar Island for three months after hazardous asbestos material was discovered on location in Malaysia.
Cast and crew have been advised production is now expected to commence early next year, according to industry website TV Blackbox.
If true, this means the series’ planned air date for the first quarter 2023 will have to be pushed back to the second or third quarter.
Channel Seven has reportedly postponed filming of its new reality series Million Dollar Island for three months after hazardous asbestos material was discovered on location in Malaysia
Seven’s plans appear to have changed since the start of the week when a network spokesperson said the issue would not affect its transmission date plans, reports TV Tonight.
It will be a costly delay as the Sydney Morning Herald reported Seven was spending about $700,000 to produce each episode.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Seven for comment.
Cast and crew have been advised production is now expected to commence early next year. (Pictured: Million Dollar Island host Ant Middleton)
Asbestos is a heat-resistant mineral material that was popular in building and construction until the 1980s.
It contains microscopic fibers which, if they are breathed in, can fester and cause lethal diseases, including types of cancer.
The series was created by the team behind Wife Swap and Big Brother, and sees 100 contestants compete for $1million in a survival game set on a remote island.
Host Ant Middleton, 42, said the concept will be must-see television.
This means the series’ planned air date of first quarter 2023 will have to be pushed back by some months. (Pictured: Middleton on SAS Australia)
‘Think The Hunger Games meets Lost… but not quite as brutal,’ the former British Special Forces soldier said in a statement.
‘This is a high-stakes challenge for regular, everyday Aussies. Literally anyone can apply. You don’t have to be the fittest or the strongest person to win big.’
Seven executive Angus Ross said Middleton was the perfect choice to host the franchise, which is based on a popular Dutch format.
‘[Middleton] is smart, tough and a brilliant strategist, qualities that will be invaluable as he immerses himself in the game play in what promises to be the most engaging and fascinating new series Australia has seen in a long time,’ Ross said.
The co-creator of Million Dollar Island is Stephen Lambert (pictured), who also created Undercover Boss, Gogglebox and Wife Swap
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